Chen Cheng’s thoughts lingered in the moment in the janitor’s room, as well as amidst the lively nights at Ghost Market, and also within Wen Shulin’s message, "I’m a bit tired today, let’s do this another day."
He didn’t know why, but he always felt a bit unsettled.
Perhaps it was because of his relationship with Su Liya that had introduced a subtle change to his already balanced life.
It might also be that Wen Shulin’s first ever broken promise made him worry about what had actually happened to her.
At this moment, the only responses Chen Cheng got were from the engine’s roar and Xiao Meier, sitting beside him.
"What’s on your mind? Honey, what are you thinking about?"
"Nothing much, just feeling that today was quite fulfilling."
"Yes, we owe it to you today, or else I really wouldn’t have known how to deal with that clever little Li Ya."
Xiao Meier smiled, "By the way, have you noticed that Sister Lin seems a bit off?"
Chen Cheng replied, "She’s been so busy all day, probably just tired."
"Yeah, it’s definitely not easy for her to raise a child on her own," Xiao Meier sighed, then asked, "Eh? I’ve never heard her mention Li Ya’s father?"
Turning her body, she asked, "Have you ever met Sister Lin’s husband?"
Chen Cheng only knew about the Sponsorship Agreement that Wen Shulin had signed in the past, but he had definitely never met the man.
So, he shook his head.
"That’s really strange, huh!" Xiao Meier propped her chin, muttering to herself, "Sister Lin is so capable and Li Ya is so obedient, yet they never mention him."
She turned her head towards Chen Cheng, "Do you think there’s some kind of conflict there?"
"Did they get divorced? Or what happened?"
Chen Cheng knew that Xiao Meier’s gossiping soul had ignited once again, and while driving, he teased with a laugh:
"You just love to worry about others. Why are we guessing about their family matters?"
"I’m just curious..."
"Stop being curious. If they’re not mentioning it, they have their reasons. Let’s just take care of ourselves."
Chen Cheng said, freeing one hand to gently pat Xiao Meier’s hand, "And don’t go asking; in case they really do have something difficult to talk about, it’ll be awkward later."
"I definitely wouldn’t ask," Xiao Meier quickly said, "Sister Lin has been so good to me, I really consider her a sister."
"Oh? Such a good impression?"
"Of course! I’ve been in Beijing for so many years; aside from you, grandpa, and godfather, she has been the kindest to me!" Xiao Meier nodded emphatically.
"She even said, when I open my milk tea shop, she’ll be the first to support me!"
Xiao Meier said joyfully, "When the time comes, we should give both Sister Lin and Li Ya a VIP, free for life, what do you think?"
Chen Cheng watched Xiao Meier’s face filled with happiness, and couldn’t help but feel moved, thinking that even though she was usually carefree, she had a very kind heart and made friends easily.
Aside from Jin Baogen’s entrustment, this was probably why Wen Shulin was willing to be close to her.
"Right," Xiao Meier suddenly seemed to remember something, "Do you think Sister Lin might be facing some difficulties?"
"Like what?" Chen Cheng also felt something wasn’t right.
Xiao Meier bit her lip, "Maybe she’s facing some financial difficulties?"
As soon as she finished speaking, she shook her head in self-denial, "No, no! She’s so wealthy, it can’t be that."
"Could it be some problems with her company?" Xiao Meier speculated again.
"With CGG being such a big company that’s weathered all kinds of storms, I don’t think there’s anything that could worry her," Chen Cheng denied.
Xiao Meier furrowed her brows, deep in thought.
After a while, she lowered her voice, "Could it be... relationship issues?"
Chen Cheng was amused by her sudden idea, "Relationship issues? Where did that come from?"
Xiao Meier took on the air of someone who’s been through it all, "No matter what age a woman is, she longs for love. Maybe Sister Lin is facing something that’s making it hard for her to decide?"
Chen Cheng’s heart skipped a beat.
He thought of the rejection message he just received; it indeed seemed to convey a trace of helplessness and struggle.
"Is it because she saw me and Xiao Er taking Li Ya out and became unhappy?" Chen Cheng pondered, "That’s not right either! No, no, it can’t be."
Chen Cheng calmed his emotions, recalling that Wen Shulin had mentioned going back to the company to see a client in the afternoon.
The crux of the matter might lie with this client.
"Honey, do you think my guess is correct?"
"Love is like a tornado. When it comes, nothing can stop it!"
Chen Cheng: "Stop guessing, I’ll ask her when I see her tomorrow."
"Okay!" Xiao Meier smiled, resting her head on the headrest, dreaming about the future, "I didn’t expect us to have a new venture so quickly!"
Her face beamed with happiness, "Honey, do you think our milk tea shop will be a huge success once it opens?"
Chen Cheng looked at her innocent and joyous expression, "Of course, the wealth will be rolling in! You’re the classic harbinger of prosperity for your husband!"
Xiao Meier blushed at the compliment, lowering her head, "Still, I’m a bit worried."
"This time, the investment will definitely be much bigger than for Wanbao Hall."
Chen Cheng held Xiao Meier’s hand, "Don’t worry, I’m here."
"You’re always so confident!"
Chen Cheng said with a smile, "Isn’t my confidence all thanks to you?"
"Me?" Xiao Meier pointed at her nose.
"Have you forgotten? You are Xiao Er from Big Willow Tree! You have a buff!"
Xiao Meier was tickled by Chen Cheng’s words, laughing and playfully scolding, "Stop it, what Big Willow Tree Xiao Er, we’re all grown-ups now, and you’re still teasing me ."